This is something that the police take seriously as forces use a wide range of video surveillance camera capabilities such as ANPR, BWV, CCTV and drones. Forces are beginning to test video analytics from automatic facial recognition to other algorithms capable of spotting certain types of behaviour. Given the often sensitive nature of policing and the developing surveillance camera capabilities, it is particularly important that the public can have confidence in the police use of overt surveillance. Forces are working with the Surveillance Camera Commissioner and completing his self assessment tools to attain the third party certification mark.

As part of the strategy we are working very closely with the local authority strand. Police Officers will utilise a lot of local authority CCTV cameras and it is important that we have strong working relationships, especially as we see austerity measures threatening local authority CCTV. One of the key areas we are looking at is to develop a framework for service level agreements between local authorities and police forces for operation of cameras and sharing of the footage.

As the NPCC lead for CCTV, I aim to promote transparency in the use of surveillance cameras and also stem the threat of losing local authority CCTV cameras due to lack of funding. To achieve this I would like to collate statistical evidence of when police use ANPR, BWV and CCTV to understand the effectiveness of the cameras in relation to outcomes for crimes and to understand if it provides victims with a better outcome. Whilst mindful of unnecessary bureaucracy, this could be achieved through a data collection process used by the police for the Home Office. The NPCC CCTV working group has launched a website which aims to promote best practice of CCTV within policing to improve successful outcomes and to develop joint working practices between different policing portfolios where CCTV is an important delivery factor. Please take a look at that site and I’d be interested in any feedback you have

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Surveillance Camera Commissioner's Office

This is the official blog for the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Office. We aim to give you updates on the current issues in the sector, share ideas and importantly invite your views on the use of surveillance cameras.